BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE

  

The Brenham City Council will meet Thursday to act upon formally adopting a Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Last month, Brenham Planning and Zoning Commissioners and Main Street Board members recommended adoption of the ordinance, which would institute a city approval process for certain alterations to downtown building exteriors.

Supporters of the ordinance say it will help preserve the authenticity of the downtown district and protect the public investment made in it, while opponents argue it limits creativity and adds an unnecessary process for building alterations.

Through the ordinance, a Historic Preservation Office consisting of Main Street Staff would be responsible for issuing Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for alterations not considered to be ordinary repairs and enforcing the guidelines of the ordinance.

If the proposed ordinance is adopted, a Downtown Overlay District, covering 49.4 acres, would be created.  Additional historic districts and local landmarks may be designated upon request by property owners and upon review by a Historic Preservation Board.  The board would be made up of seven people appointed by the Brenham City Council; at least four members must be property owners within the historic district or an owner of a historic landmark.

Also on Thursday, the council will consider:

• An advanced funding agreement between the city and TxDOT related to intersection improvements at Old Chappell Hill Road and FM 577. Planned improvements for the intersection include dedicated turn lanes, additional pavement to allow better turning movements for large trucks, four new signal poles, improved drainage around the intersection and designated crosswalks.  The total cost of the project is expected to be $761,582, with the city being responsible for engineering and utility relocation costs at $225,000, and TxDOT handling all construction costs.  The project is expected to start in late 2021 or early 2022.
• An agreement between the city and Ranier and Son Development Company (Stylecraft) related to the city’s participation in construction costs for oversizing a water main along Dixie Road. Stylecraft is seeking to upsize a water line from 6 inches to 12 inches, which the city says will benefit its water system and give a looped feed to the west side of Highway 36 North.  The new line will tie into the existing 12 inch line on Dixie Road that was installed by Stylecraft last year and was also a partnership in which the city paid for the upsizing.  The city’s share of construction costs will not exceed $35,000.
• An amendment to the lease agreement between the city and the Brenham Heritage Museum. The agreement established benchmarks for the museum to meet relating to the start of construction and opening to the public.  The amendment pushes all benchmark dates back one year because of COVID-19.
• An addendum to the memorandum of understanding between the city and Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, Inc. The addendum would allow for a feasibility study/business plan to be developed about the operations of The Barnhill Center by the city.
• An ordinance on its second reading amending city signage code regarding major multi-tenant shopping center sign regulations.

The council will meet Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.